Tag: University of Manitoba

A number of incidents have further eroded the relationship between UMFA, the university administration and the provincial government since then, and the effect is palpable. In 2016, as I remember it, the mood was determined but apologetic — the academic strike was a new and frightening concept to most students, and both UMFA and the university made significant efforts to explain what was happening and maintained an outwardly friendly relationship. But this disagreement has gone on for years now, and what seemed like a small fight has escalated to full-blown resentment.

Despite promotion considered problematic by some, an evening strike march through Old Tuxedo proceeded smoothly last Tuesday.

The students, organized by Students Supporting UMFA (SSUMFA), demanded the administration offer faculty a fair deal. The protesters held signs with slogans like, “Listen up Benarroch” — directed at university president Michael Benarroch — and “Get back to bargaining” as they prevented staff from entering the building until 9:30 a.m.

Since the UMFA strike began on Nov. 2, students have stepped up to provide support for their peers and organize demonstrations in support of UMFA.

Picketers will line the entrances to the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses for the second time in five years after Monday’s negotiations between the U of M and faculty broke down.